Welcome back to Painted Perspectives, a series where we talk to miniature hobbyists from across the community about how they paint, what inspires them, and how they found their place in the hobby. There’s no single right way to approach miniature painting, and this series celebrates the many different paths people take to get there.
“Painting quickly became the focus for me, but the game was the excuse to keep collecting more minis.” – Viriel, Let’s Get Warhammered
Known online as Let's Get Warhammered, Viriel is a hobbyist whose work is inspired by the classic 'Eavy Metal style of the 1990s, with a particular focus on something many painters aspire to: beautifully painted armies and collections ready for play on the tabletop.
While some painters chase individual display pieces, Viriel finds motivation in building complete collections, getting models into games, and sharing the hobby with a welcoming community that spans the globe. We caught up with her to talk about her first mini, favourite projects, lessons learned, and why a table full of painted models never gets old.
How and when did you first get into miniature painting? What was painting your first mini like?
Viriel: When I was in high school, my friend's dad took us to San Diego Comic-Con. I played a demo game of 40K there and we split the 3rd Edition Starter Set. I also picked up a box of Necron Warriors with the green plastic tubes.
I cracked open the Necrons first. I had four colours and one brush. My first robot skeleton was black and purple with some metallic and neon green details. It was an absolute mess, but I loved it.
Painting quickly became the focus for me, but the game was the excuse to keep collecting more minis.
Since you started miniature painting, what's kept you engaged in the hobby?
Viriel: Playing games with my collection is really what keeps me engaged. After a game, I usually start painting right away once I'm back home, especially if I've put grey plastic on the table.
The community also keeps me inspired to try out new techniques and processes. I love seeing other painters' work, both in person and online.
What sort of miniatures or models do you most enjoy painting?
Viriel: I love painting those big centrepiece models that really tie a collection together. I usually save them until the end. It's like a little reward for completing a huge project.
I generally prefer fantasy settings over sci-fi. Models with a variety of textures are really engaging to work on, and fantasy pieces usually have what I'm looking for.
Are there techniques or colours you keep coming back to regardless of how your work evolves?
Viriel: I know it's weird, but I love batch painting big units of models. Once the plan for colours and process has been determined, it becomes a kind of working meditation for me where my brain can switch into a pure artistic zen state, and I just get to execute that plan.
Beyond that, I love a good drybrush.
What mistakes have taught you the most, and is there anything you still struggle with?
Viriel: I think my models from a few years ago look a little flat because I wasn't getting enough contrast between my shadows and highlights. Really exaggerating that contrast has helped me improve.
Keeping that in mind, I still struggle with non-metallic metal. It's not a technique I can easily apply across an entire army of models, so I've mostly stayed away from it. I've got plans for a small warband to practise on in the near future though.
What do you wish you'd known about miniature painting when you started?
Viriel: Before I got into the hobby, I didn't realise what an amazing and welcoming community of people from all over the world I was becoming part of. I've met great people throughout the years who remain some of my best friends today.
Favourite colours to paint
Reds of any flavour.
What do you listen to while painting?
The Glass Cannon Podcast.
Favourite The Army Painter product
Warpaints Stabilizer. I absolutely love it.
Most unconventional place you find inspiration for your paint schemes
Grocery store packaging.
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